(WXYZ) — Longtime Channel 7 sportscaster Don Shane has died at age 70, 7 Action News has learned.
Don spent 23 years at WXYZ and no one had more fun being on the air or covering our local teams.
He joined Channel 7 in 1989 – and has been on hand for many important events over the years. The many championships – but also the heartbreaking losses – all while showing the drama and emotion of the season for our viewers.
The NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup, the Rose Bowl, prize fights from Las Vegas – Don covered it all during a career that included two stints in Detroit.
He loves what he does – and that joy comes through the screen into your homes.
No one works harder than Don. He breaks stories and earns the respect of athletes and coaches in this town for his preparation and professionalism.
He supports worthy causes and has also helped mentor many student interns in the sports department over the years – many of whom have gone on to fulfill their career dreams and themselves in business.
Don and I remember each other for many reasons. For his kind back and forth with Bill Bonds at the anchor desk.
For his big personality, and for his famous Dare Don parts where he is ready for almost any challenge.
That included a painful encounter with former Lions great Chris Spielman.
This left Don with three broken ribs and many of us asked why he wanted to do this!
But really, Don did it all in a TV news career that spanned nearly four decades.
He retired on Feb. 29, 2012. A few weeks later, Don and I celebrated at the Broadcast House.
He moved to Arizona after retirement, and spent the last few years in California near his children. His family welcomed their first grandchild in May.
We miss you, Don. Our thoughts are with his entire family at this difficult time.
